CHAD SCHILLING

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN FISHING?

Fishing is all I have ever known. My parents had a crib on our first pontoon. While my friends were at the pool in the summer, I was at the lake. Almost all of my childhood memories are of fishing, and that’s a great thing.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A LUND PRO-STAFF?

Lund provides a family atmosphere that makes a person feel welcome and wanted. This is something that is present from corporate to the dealers and on to the other pro-staff members. It doesn’t hurt that almost all of my heroes in the walleye world are running Lund boats.

CAN YOU TELL US THE LARGEST FISH YOU HAVE EVER CAUGHT?

I caught a pre-spawn walleye here on Lake Oahe when I was 16 years old that measured 33 12". I released her and never did get a weight.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

I was born and raised in Mobride, South Dakota and now live in Akaska, SD.

WHERE DO YOU MOSTLY FISH?

I live on Lake Oahe as a guide and addict to fishing. I will participate in the four regular season FLW tour events, South Dakota Walleye Classic, and possibly the AIM Lake of the Woods event. There are a couple of local events I am hoping to fish also.

WHAT IS THE BEST FISHING TIP THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED?

Keep it fun. I have lived by these words both in my work and tournament experiences. Fishing is way too much fun to let stress or egos get in the way. At the end of the day we are all a bunch of guys out doing what we love. It you can’t have fun doing that, stay home.

IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE ANGLING COMMUNITY?

I help in as many kids events as I can and also have participated in the "Senior Day" event put on by the SD Walleye Classic for the past two years. This is a great event where we get a bunch of boats together to take senior citizens from our area out fishing. Lots of these people only get this one chance a year to get on the water and it is a blast.

PICK 5 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF

Happy, Blessed, Determined, Grounded, and Busy.

WHAT WAS THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE?

Last year. I had a great year in business and tournament fishing. I was able to take my whole family to a tournament in Escanaba, Michigan. My little brother and I were able to fish a tournament again for the first time in a long time, and we won it. And I was able to accomplish one of the biggest goals I have ever set: win a major pro-am event. The Aim Championship was a great time in my life in front of friends and family. And to top it all off, it put me back in a Lund Boat. It is going to be a hard year to beat.

WHAT IS THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE EVER BOUGHT?

A month before my first year in college I bought an expensive over-under shotgun. Three months later I had to call home and ask my dad for some money so I could eat. He told me to eat my shotgun. I deserved that. (He later sent money).

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

If you love what you do, you will never work a day of your life. Great advice I have lived by for the last 16 years of my life.

WHAT TRAIT DO YOU ADMIRE IN PEOPLE?

Honesty.

WHAT’S YOUR WORST HABIT?

I tend to talk too much. Ok. Way too much. My friends and family love to make fun of me for that.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MODEL OF LUND TO FISH OUT OF AND WHY?

I am absolutely in love with my new 208 Pro-V GL. It stands head and shoulders above any boat I have run. Ride, fishabililty, and over all comfort makes this the best boat on the water. I also own a 16 ft lund tiller. It is so old the model has worn off. My first job was at Jed’s Landing in Mobridge, SD. I was paid $3.35/hr and all the rental boat use I wanted. Our rental boats were the exact same kind and I will always enjoy going back to my roots. Huge difference in comfort level, but great times none the less.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO OUR ENTIRE STAFF AT LUND BOATS?

THANK-YOU. You have made a small family man from South Dakota feel wanted. I will do everything in my power to never make you sorry for your decision. I am proud and honored to be a member of the Lund family. Also, be proud of the men and women you have on your Pro-Staff now. Everyone I have talked to has made me feel welcome. That’s not a courtesy you see in other boat companies, so it says a lot about you and the people you have picked. Let me know if there is anything you need from me, I am happy to help. Thanks again.